Method and system for improving the data security during a communication process

ABSTRACT

A system for improving the data security during a communication process, including at least one processor and a hardware security module. The communication data is authenticated prior to a transmission process, and the authenticity of the communication data is checked upon being received. The authentication is carried out by the processor, and the authentication check is carried out by the hardware security module, wherein the communication data is car-to-X messages. The processor and the hardware security module are linked via a common secret element such that at least the hardware security module cannot be coupled to another processor.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the U.S. National Phase Application of PCT International Application No. PCT/EP2015/056413, filed Mar. 25, 2015, which claims priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2014 205 593.8, filed Mar. 26, 2014, the contents of such applications being incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method and to a system for improving the data security in a communication process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vehicle-to-X communication (or V2X) is known in the prior art and is currently in the process of standardization, including with ETSI. Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) is likewise known in the prior art. Also known is the Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm (ECDSA), which constitutes a Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) method for generating and verifying digital signatures. The use of ECDSA for signing and verifying vehicle-to-X messages has been standardized by the IEEE, ETSI and the Car2Car Communication Consortium. Using what are known as long-term certificates (LTC) and ECU keys for authenticating vehicle-to-X communication systems in a public key infrastructure (PKI) has also been standardized by the IEEE, ETSI and the Car2Car Communication Consortium.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An aspect of the invention defines an efficient design for improving the data security in a communication process, in particular in the field of vehicle-to-X communication.

Within the meaning of aspects of the invention, the term data security refers to security from unauthorized access to the data or from data misuse. Thus data security is essentially dependent on encrypting the data or protecting the integrity of the data. Since the methods described above use secret key data, then secret storage and usage of the keys is also part of data security. The terms data security and security are used synonymously within the meaning of the invention.

According to one aspect of the invention, a method for improving the data security in a communication process is provided, in which method the communication data are signed before sending and verified when received, wherein a processor performs the signing and a hardware security module performs the verification.

The signing may include or be an authentication. In addition, the verification may include or be an authenticity check.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method for improving the data security in a communication process is provided, in which method the communication data are encrypted and/or authenticated before sending and when received are decrypted and/or the authenticity thereof is checked, wherein a processor performs the encryption and/or the authentication, and a hardware security module performs the decryption and/or the authenticity check.

The hardware security module is preferably implemented as a dedicated integrated circuit separate from the processor. The hardware security module is preferably linked solely to the processor.

In an advantageous embodiment, the communication data are vehicle-to-X messages. Thus the method is preferably used to improve the data security in transmitting vehicle-to-X messages. The efficiency for encryption and authentication achieved by the method is particularly advantageous in a vehicle environment because, owing to the movement of the driver's vehicle, the communication structure is more transient than in a static environment.

In another advantageous embodiment, the hardware security module complies with a data security certification standard, in particular with an EAL4+ standard.

In another advantageous embodiment the hardware security module complies with a data security certification standard, in particular with an EAL4+ security level according to the Common Criteria standard.

In another advantageous embodiment, the processor and the hardware security module each comprise a TRNG or a key generator module.

In another advantageous embodiment, the processor and the hardware security module each comprise a non-deterministic random number generator (TRNG), which is used for the key generation.

In another advantageous embodiment, the processor and the hardware security module are linked via a shared secret such that at least the hardware security module cannot be linked to any other processor.

In another advantageous embodiment, the processor executes software that performs a secure boot procedure, in particular a hardware-assisted secure boot procedure.

In another advantageous embodiment, the processor executes only software that is loaded in a secure boot procedure, in particular in a hardware-assisted secure boot procedure.

In another advantageous embodiment, the processor executes software that opens interfaces, in particular debugging interfaces, only after successful authentication of the communication partners.

In another advantageous embodiment, the processor executes software that performs resource protection procedures, in particular for RAM, ROM and CPU load.

In another advantageous embodiment, the software is an operating system.

In another advantageous embodiment, the processor executes basic software that performs resource protection procedures, in particular for RAM, ROM and CPU load.

In another advantageous embodiment, the basic software is an operating system.

In another advantageous embodiment, the processor comprises a special secure RAM, which can be used solely by a security module assigned to the processor.

In another advantageous embodiment, an AES module of the processor performs the encryption.

In another advantageous embodiment, encrypted data, in particular AES256-encrypted data, are stored in a non-volatile memory of the processor.

In another advantageous embodiment, the AES module is connected to a DMA.

In another advantageous embodiment, the security module assigned to the processor generates pseudonyms for the purpose of authenticating the communication data.

In another advantageous embodiment, the security module assigned to the processor generates the key pairs, in particular public and private keys, needed for the pseudonyms for the purpose of authenticating the communication data.

In another advantageous embodiment, a key of the AES module is stored in security fuses of the processor.

In another advantageous embodiment, the security fuses are a memory area of the processor that is especially protected against external data accesses.

In another advantageous embodiment, the pseudonyms are stored by the processor in encrypted form.

In another advantageous embodiment, the private pseudonyms or keys are stored by the processor in encrypted form in a non-volatile memory, in particular in a flash memory.

According to another aspect of the invention, a system is provided for improving the data security in a communication process, which system comprises at least a processor and a hardware security module, wherein the system implements the method.

According to another aspect of the invention, a system is provided for improving the data security in a communication process, which system comprises at least a processor and a hardware security module, and in which system the communication data are authenticated before sending and when received the authenticity thereof is checked, wherein the processor performs the authentication, and the preferably separate hardware security module performs the authenticity check, wherein the communication data are vehicle-to-X messages, and wherein the processor and the hardware security module are linked via a shared secret such that at least the hardware security module cannot be linked to any other processor. This achieves the advantage that a computing load on the processor can be reduced for authenticating received communication data.

In an advantageous embodiment, the processor executes only software that performs a secure boot procedure, in particular a hardware-assisted secure boot procedure. This achieves the advantage that a signed, i.e. trustworthy, bootloader can be used to start an operating system.

In another advantageous embodiment, the processor executes software that opens interfaces, in particular debugging interfaces, only after successful authentication of the communication partners. This achieves the advantage of being able to provide efficient access protection for the interfaces.

In another advantageous embodiment, an AES module of the processor performs the encryption. This achieves the advantage that the communication data can be encrypted efficiently.

In another advantageous embodiment, a key of the AES module is stored in security fuses of the processor, and the security fuses are a memory area of the processor that is especially protected against external data accesses. This achieves the advantage of being able to provide efficient access protection for the key of the AES module.

An example of a system according to an aspect of the invention consists of a powerful modern host CPU (e.g. ARM Cortex A) having integrated security functions and of a single external HSM. The HSM may be EAL4+ certified, for instance, whereas the host CPU is normally not certified because of its complexity.

Within the meaning of the invention, the term hardware security module (HSM) denotes an (internal or external) peripheral device for efficient and secure execution of cryptographic operations or applications. By this means it is possible to guarantee, for example, the trustworthiness and the integrity of data and the information associated therewith in safety-critical IT systems. In order to guarantee the required data security, it may be necessary for the cryptographic keys being used to be protected both in terms of software and from physical attacks or side channel attacks.

Both the CPU and the HSM preferably each comprise a built-in True Random Number Generator (TRNG), which can be used, and is used, for key generation.

Said TRNG is a key generation module, where a key is a digital data sequence that allows encryption of a data set and/or verification of the authenticity thereof. If the sender of the dataset and the recipient of the data set have the same key, the recipient can thereby decrypt the data record and/or verify the authenticity thereof.

The HSM is advantageously locked by the CPU by means of a shared secret such that it can work only with precisely this CPU. The shared secret is in this case a particular data sequence and a form of hard-wired key, the existence of which is checked in the counterpart station before transmission of the actual data, thus for example in the CPU and in the HSM. If the CPU or the HSM does not have the shared secret, the counterpart station declines communication.

An operating system (OS) that supports all the mechanisms and/or functions mentioned preferably runs on the CPU, so that an example system according to the invention can be CC-certified. The mechanisms and/or functions required for this purpose are e.g. hardware-assisted secure boot, opening the debugging interfaces only after authentication of the communication partners, resource protection for RAM, ROM and CPU load. Other suitable mechanisms and/or functions known to a person skilled in the art can also be provided.

The CPU is preferably assigned a special secure RAM, which can be used only by the assigned security module.

Data, preferably encrypted in accordance with AES256, are stored in the non-volatile memory of the CPU. In this case, the encryption is performed e.g. automatically by using an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) module, which is incorporated in the Direct Memory Access (DMA) transfer.

The AES key is preferably stored inaccessibly in security fuses.

The HSM module is preferably protected against side channel attacks.

The HSM preferably additionally contains an ECC accelerator, which in a first configuration level is designed particularly preferably such that it can handle 20 verifications and/or signings per second. According to a second configuration level, the ECC accelerator is designed particularly preferably such that it can handle up to 400 verifications and/or signings per second.

According to one embodiment, the ECC and ECDSA can be implemented in hardware or software. According to another embodiment, hardware security modules (HSM) can be used for secure i.e. secure from unauthorized access, storage and use of cryptographic materials (e.g. what are known as keys or private keys).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims and in the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to FIGURES, in which:

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows an example use of a security infrastructure according to the invention and of a possible system according to the invention in the form of function blocks and hardware blocks.

FIG. 1 shows an example use of a security infrastructure according to the invention and of a possible system according to the invention in the form of function blocks and hardware blocks. The system comprises a processor 4, which is formed by a CPU, and a hardware security module 3, which is separate from said processor.

The system for improving the data security in a communication process can comprise the processor 4 and hardware security model (HSM) 3, in which system the communication data is authenticated before sending and when received the authenticity thereof is checked, wherein the processor 4 performs the authentication, and the hardware security module 3 performs the authenticity check, wherein the communication data are vehicle-to-X messages, and wherein the processor 4 and the hardware security module 3 are linked via a shared secret such that at least the hardware security module 3 cannot be linked to any other processor.

A Private Key for an ECU, which is referred to as the ECU key 2, and a long-term certificate, which is referred to as the LTC 1, for example are generated and stored in HSM 3 and also used only there, which means that the corresponding private keys (ECU key 2 and LTC 1) never leave HSM 3 and that HSM 3 itself cannot be misused by removal from the associated hardware circuit board, e.g. by soldering, because it is linked to CPU 4. Security module 5 of CPU 4 generates and stores in encrypted form pseudonyms. In addition, all message signings are performed in CPU 4, because there a signing takes only about 2 ms, which for the required end-to-end latencies of <100 ms is far more advantageous than using HSM 3, which needs about 50 ms for this operation. Using non-volatile memory 6 of CPU 4 for the instruction counter storage, also known as program counter storage (PC), has the advantage that program counts of 3000 or even more are thereby easily and economically possible. Alternatively, the non-volatile memory 6 of CPU 4 can be used for security-relevant data such as pseudonyms, which has the advantage that several thousand pseudonyms or other security certificates can thereby be stored easily and economically.

Verification of incoming messages is performed for all messages to be forwarded (known as multihop messages) (max. 10/s). In addition, “on demand” verification is performed (max. 5/s), or all incoming messages are Verified if there is enough computing power available for this.

The messages are hashed in CPU 4, and the hash and the public key of the attached PC transmitted to HSM 3, where the ECC operation is performed. This manages to remove a significant load from CPU 4, as a result of which it is possible to dispense with a multicore CPU here, for example. The ECC operation is evaluated in CPU 4.

According to one embodiment, the messages to be verified are hashed in CPU 4 using a secure hash function, in particular using SHA256 for ECDSA256, and the hash and the public key of the attached pseudonym (PC) transmitted to HSM 3, where the ECC operation is performed. This manages to remove a significant load from CPU 4, as a result of which it is possible to dispense with a multicore CPU here, for example. The ECC operation is evaluated in CPU 4.

CPU 4, for example, is an iMX6solo processor from the Freescale company. An ATECC108 chip from the Atmel company is used for HSM 3, for example. PikeOS from the Sysgo company, for example, is used as the operating system on CPU 4.

In addition, the system shown by way of example comprises RAM 7, flash memory 8, DMA 9, logic module 10, combined ECC, SMA, AES, TRNG and ID module 11.

LIST OF REFERENCES

-   1 LTC -   2 ECC key -   3 hardware security module, HSM -   4 processor, CPU -   5 security module -   6 memory -   7 RAM -   8 flash memory -   9 DMA -   10 logic module -   11 combined ECC, SMA, AES, TRNG and ID module 

1. A method for improving data security in a communication process, comprising: encrypting and/or authenticating communication data before sending; and decrypting and/or checking the authenticity thereof when received, wherein a processor performs the encryption and/or the authentication, and a hardware security module performs the decryption and/or the authenticity check.
 2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication data are vehicle-to-X messages.
 3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor and the hardware security module each comprise a TRNG or a key generator module.
 4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor and the hardware security module are linked via a shared secret such that at least the hardware security module cannot be linked to any other processor.
 5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor executes software that performs a secure boot procedure.
 6. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor executes software that opens debugging interfaces only after successful authentication of the communication partners.
 7. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor comprises a special secure RAM, which can be used solely by a security module assigned to the processor.
 8. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein an AES module of the processor performs the encryption.
 9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein a key of the AES module is stored in security fuses of the processor.
 10. A system for improving the data security in a communication process, comprising: at least a processor and a hardware security module, wherein the system implements a method comprising: encrypting and/or authenticating communication data before sending; and decrypting and/or checking the authenticity thereof when received, wherein the processor performs the encryption and/or the authentication, and the hardware security module performs the decryption and/or the authenticity check.
 11. A system for improving the data security in a communication process, comprising: at least a processor and a hardware security module, wherein the communication data are authenticated before sending and when received the authenticity thereof is checked, wherein the processor performs the authentication, and the hardware security module performs the authenticity check, the communication data are vehicle-to-X messages, and the processor and the hardware security module are linked via a shared secret such that at least the hardware security module cannot be linked to any other processor.
 12. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the processor executes only software that performs a secure boot procedure.
 13. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the processor executes software that opens debugging interfaces only after successful authentication of the communication partners.
 14. The method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the processor and the hardware security module each comprise a TRNG or a key generator module.
 15. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processor executes software that performs a hardware-assisted secure boot procedure.
 16. The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the processor executes only software that performs a hardware-assisted secure boot procedure.
 17. The system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the processor executes software that opens debugging interfaces only after successful authentication of the communication partners. 